When I called Miele to ask if I could return the vacuum, they said they do not take returns! So BUYER BEWARE! If you buy this incredibly expensive machine, not only will it do a poor job of vacuuming...especially if you have dogs, the company will not stand behind its product....which speaks volumes about the company's faith in its product. Good luck!

Luckily Amazon.com saved the day and agreed to return the item...yea, Amazon.com!

Best vacuum i have had (and i have Lots of critters) is from the local vaccum and sewing place 200 simplicity jack...made in usa, and uses way less plastic parts then dyson, shark, miele etc, which means they can be fixed, and parts replaced if it breaks where as, most others you get rid of and get new one.